The
origin of a swimming pool in Wing Park dates back to 1914, when James R. Scanlan bequeathed
over $9,000 of his estate for the construction of a public bath house.
Before Scanlan's passing, he was employed as a gas fitter and eventually became the chief
of service for a local gas company. He stipulated that "If at any
time the city of Elgin is willing to take over the bath house and maintain and
support it for the benefit of the people of Elgin or if the city is
willing to build and maintain a bath house, then the trustees are directed to
turn over the estate of the property to the city of Elgin".

The
city of Elgin eventually took Scanlan's offer. In 1937, a new public swimming
pool was constructed at the cost of $75,000, which was in existence until
1976.

Today,
The Wing Park Family Aquatic Center stands in its place, which is valued at over 5 million
dollars.